The Muntinlupa City government held the awarding ceremony for its 6th Gawad Ulirang Ina search on May 19 at the Ayala Malls South Park.
Matilde Estaloza of Barangay Cupang emerged as the winner in the search followed by Rosario Basco of Barangay Bayanan, second place; and Dolores Aquino of Barangay Buli, third place.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Trina Biazon with winner Matilde Estaloza (4th from right) (Photo from Muntinlupa PIO)
The eight finalists of Muntinlupa's 6th Gawad Ulirang Ina (Photo from Muntinlupa PIO)
Other finalists were Dellie Camins of Barangay Tunasan, Gracia Hernandez of Barangay Poblacion, Ma. Victoria Dela Rea of Barangay Putatan, Norma Santiago of Barangay Alabang and Imelda Pagal of Barangay Sucat.
All the eight finalists received P35,000 each and trophies while Estaloza got an additional P15,000 for placing first.
According to the city government, Estaloza experienced tragedies in her family when her husband and child died and their house burned down.
She was able to send her children to college by doing different jobs including being a laundress, masseuse, manicurist and taking care of her neighbor’s children.
“Masaya akong natupad ang mga pangarap ko at ng mga anak ko sa sipag at tiyaga (I am happy that I fulfilled my and my children’s dreams through diligence and perseverance),” said Estaloza.
“We should be giving importance to women in society. Kaya dito sa programang ito, sinimulan nung nakaraang administration, and we are carrying it on, not just as a tradition, but as a regular program na isa po talaga sa mga maliwanag na paghayag natin sa pagkilala sa papel na ginagampanan ng mga kababaihan,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon who led in awarding the winners.
Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi said, “Motherhood is the most difficult job but the most rewarding dahil ‘pag nakita nating napalaki ang ating mga anak nang maayos, hindi natin matatawaran ang kasiyahan ng mga magulang.”
Also joining the ceremony were Vice Mayor Temy Simundac, Trina Biazon, councilors and department heads.
This is the sixth year of the search by the city government through the Muntinlupa Gender And Development Office headed by Reggie Salonga.